Brian Kingzett
Executive Director, BC Salmon Farmers Association
How British Columbia’s Salmon Farmers are Sustainably Producing Protein to Feed the World, while Supporting Coastal Communities
More than half of the seafood consumed globally today is farm-raised. With the United Nations estimating the world’s population will reach 9.8 billion by 2050, and roughly 90% of wild fisheries already operating at their sustainable limits, the pressure on our blue food systems is real and growing. Meeting that demand responsibly means turning to aquaculture (farming in the water) and Canada is positioned to meet the opportunity.
A Coastline Built for Opportunity
Canada has the longest coastline in the world, significant freshwater resources, and with it, huge potential for aquaculture expansion. In British Columbia alone, salmon farming currently produces approximately 55,000 tonnes of salmon annually, enough to contribute to roughly 380 million meals. Beyond providing healthy meals, the sector supports over 4,000 full-time jobs, primarily in rural coastal communities, and generates $1.2 billion in annual economic output. Every farmed salmon is raised in partnership or agreement with the Rights Holder First Nations in whose territories we farm, a relationship grounded in respect and shared stewardship of the land and the ocean.
Economically Impactful and Environmentally Responsible
These contributions are meaningful, but the sector’s potential extends much further. With sustained federal support, BC’s salmon farming sector could generate up to $2.5 billion in annual economic output and approximately 9,000 jobs by 2030, and as much as $4.2 billion and over 16,000 jobs by 2040. For small coastal communities already tied to the ocean economy, that kind of growth is transformative.
We need more food, we need it produced responsibly, and we need to build stronger, more resilient economies in our coastal communities.
The environmental case is equally strong. Salmon farming carries one of the lowest carbon footprints, freshwater usage rates, and food conversion ratios of any agricultural protein source. The sector is highly regulated, with rigorous monitoring and science-based standards. Ongoing research consistently finds that salmon farms pose minimal risk to the marine environment and wild species.
The Time is Now
Despite this record, aquaculture globally continues to face scrutiny, too often driven by misinformation rather than scientific evidence. These narratives influence policy decisions in ways that hold back a sector with real solutions to a very real global problem. The time to set the record straight is now. We need more food, we need it produced responsibly, and we need to build stronger, more resilient economies in our coastal communities. BC salmon aquaculture is positioned and ready to step up and meet that challenge.
To learn more, please visit bcsalmonfarmers.ca.
